MZO Request
Dear Residents,
I want to provide residents with factual information regarding recent developments involving the remaining Millcroft Golf Course lands.
Minister's Zoning Order (MZO)
The City is aware that Millcroft Greens has requested that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) issue a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO) for the remaining portion of the Millcroft Golf Course lands that were not included in the previous Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) decision.
Under the Planning Act, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has the authority to issue a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO), which can regulate how land, buildings, and structures may be used anywhere in Ontario.
If there is a conflict between an MZO and a municipal zoning by-law, the MZO takes precedence. In this case, the lands are currently designated and zoned by the City of Burlington as greenspace; however, an MZO could override those municipal planning controls.
By submitting an MZO request, the developer has signaled its intention to pursue residential development on these lands. As part of the provincial review process, the Ministry has opened an Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting (ERO No. 026-0551) and is seeking public and stakeholder comments.
The City of Burlington will be submitting comments to the Province in response to the MZO request.
Development Applications Submitted to the City
Separate from the MZO request submitted to the Province, the City received development applications from the developer on June 5, 2026.
The applications include an Official Plan Amendment and a Plan of Subdivision covering the same lands subject to the MZO request.
The proposal includes 138 residential units consisting of:
73 single detached homes
65 townhouse units
The development would be accessed through private condominium roads.
Planning staff are currently reviewing the submission to determine whether the applications are complete. If deemed complete, under Provincial legislation, the City will have 120 days to undertake a detailed review, prepare an analysis, and bring recommendations forward to Council for consideration.
It is important to note that under current Planning Act rules, applicants are no longer required to undertake pre-consultation with municipalities before submitting applications for Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Plans of Subdivision.
As a result, the City was not engaged in any pre-consultation discussions before receiving these applications.
Should the applications be deemed complete, they will proceed through the City's standard planning review process. Public notices will be issued, and a dedicated project webpage will be established on the City's website to provide information and updates.
City Position
The City of Burlington has consistently expressed its intention to preserve the remaining Millcroft Golf Course lands as parks and open space and will continue to advocate for this outcome throughout both the MZO review process and any future development application review process.
I will continue to keep residents informed as additional information becomes available. I remain committed to ensuring that residents’ concerns are heard and addressed. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions.
Kind Regards,
Angelo Bentivegna
Ward 6 & Regional Councillor
